Question

A nurse is reinforcing teaching about glucose monitoring with the parent of a child who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? a) "Press the platform of the lancet firmly against your child's finger." b) "Obtain the blood sample from the center of your child's finger pad." c) "Put your child's finger under warm, running water prior to collecting blood." d) "Steady the finger against a hard surface while puncturing the skin."

Answer 1

Instructions for glucose monitoring in children with type 1 diabetes include using the sides of the fingers for blood sampling to avoid pain receptors, pressing the lancet device firmly, steadying the finger against a hard surface, and possibly warming the finger to increase blood flow. Modern electronic devices make the process quick and require only a small blood sample.

Step-by-step explanation:

When teaching a parent about glucose monitoring for their child who has type 1 diabetes mellitus, it's crucial to provide accurate and safe blood glucose testing procedures. The parent should be instructed to:

Avoid obtaining the blood sample from the center of the child's finger pad, but rather to use the sides of the fingers. This is because the sides of the fingers have fewer pain receptors, leading to less discomfort for the child.

Press the lancet device firmly against the side of the child's finger to ensure a good blood sample is obtained.

Steady the child's finger against a hard surface while puncturing the skin to ensure safety and precision.

Warming the child's finger under warm, running water may help to increase blood flow, making it easier to obtain a blood sample.

It's also worth noting that modern electronic gadgets for blood glucose estimation can facilitate the monitoring process. Most of these devices require only a small drop of blood and provide results quickly.